The Volcano House

The Maison du Volcan is the perfect place in Martinique to discover the world of volcanology. In this museum, located in the commune of Morne-Rouge, you will learn more about the history and activity of Mount Pelée.

This specialized information and documentation center welcomes you every day. You will discover various exhibitions, a library on the eruptions as well as the seismic risks linked to the famous Martinique mountain.

The observation, information and documentation centre

Martinique is home to the famous Montagne Pelée. It devastated a large part of this Caribbean island in 1902. Today, this volcano is active, but dormant. Since this important eruption, scientists still have an eye on the geology and volcanology of this overseas territory. This is how various study centres on the subject came into being, followed by the Maison du Volcan.

In the foothills of the mountain, the Maison du Volcan is an observation, information and documentation centre. It is a place where it is possible to discover seismology, geology and planetology. Here you will discover the history of the famous eruption of 1902, and all those that followed until 1929. 

Various exhibitions are present. They explain more about the different seismic risks present in the region, and present the other existing volcanoes in the Caribbean. 

History of the Maison du Volcan

The Maison du Volcan is largely dedicated to Mount Pelée. The place was created in 1990 by Pierre Petit, at the time mayor of the commune of Morne-Rouge. Then it was inaugurated in 1991 by two volcanologists: Maurice and Katia Krafft. Since 2004, the Maison du Volcan has become a regional museum.

The center presents all the complete documentation on the emblematic volcano of Martinique. Through writings, exhibitions but also video projections, you will know this volcano in depth. From its formation through its ascent to its various eruptions over the years, the immersion will be total. If you want to have impressive views without having to climb to the top of its 1,397 metres of altitude, this is the place to be!

The visit

It is possible to visit the museum every day of the week. Here, you will get acquainted with the Montagne Pelée in pictures. 

Different signs allow visitors to understand the volcano's monitoring system and its eruptive mechanisms. 

The tour features a video that recounts the landmark eruption of 1902, which caused many casualties and damage. Enter the projection rooms to learn more about Maurice and Katia Krafft, who were behind the project. 

Various thematic and occasional exhibitions are offered to visitors throughout the year. Two others are on permanent display. "The ballet of the continents and its consequences" raises awareness of seismic activity in the Caribbean. It presents a whole geological collection of sand and rocks. The second is entitled "1929, a little-known eruption of Mount Pelée". Finally, an entire library is available, entirely devoted to past eruptions from 1902 to 1929.

In the commune of Morne-Rouge, follow the RN3 to get to the Maison du Volcan. It is waiting for you!